Sujo John

Sujo John

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Sujo John sat at his desk on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower, reflecting on his purpose and faith. Originally from Calcutta, India, Sujo and his wife, Mary, had moved to New York City earlier that year, both securing jobs within the Twin Towers. Mary worked in the South Tower, and unbeknownst to Sujo, she was running late that day, a delay that would prove lifesaving.

At 8:46 a.m., a deafening explosion jolted Sujo from his thoughts as American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building above him. The impact caused the structure to sway, filling the air with smoke, dust, and debris. Determined to escape, Sujo joined a stream of evacuees descending the crowded stairwells, making way for courageous first responders ascending towards the danger. After nearly an hour, he reached the ground floor, driven by a desperate need to find Mary.

Outside, chaos reigned. As Sujo attempted to navigate through the debris-laden streets toward the South Tower, a thunderous roar signaled its collapse. Amidst the ensuing pandemonium, he found himself among a group of strangers, unified by fear and uncertainty. In that moment, Sujo felt compelled to share his faith, encouraging those around him to call upon a higher power for salvation. Shortly after, the North Tower began to fall. Miraculously, Sujo survived the devastation, though many of those he had prayed with did not.

Hours later, amidst the dust and despair, Sujo and Mary managed to contact each other, discovering that she had been spared by her delayed arrival. The harrowing experience profoundly impacted Sujo, leading him to dedicate his life to motivational speaking and humanitarian efforts. He founded YouCanFreeUs, an international organization committed to combating modern slavery and human trafficking. Through his story, Sujo emphasizes themes of resilience, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

For a more personal account, you can watch Sujo John share his testimony:

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